Low Carb Cauliflower Chili

I have an easy Low Carb Cauliflower Chili that is perfect when you are craving chili but don’t want the beans. It’s made with 4 types of fragrant bell peppers, tender cauliflower florets and juicy yet low fat ground beef. This Cauliflower Chili is packed with flavor and is perfect for meal prep. It’s also Whole30 and Paleo friendly!

Original Post: October 2021 | Post Updated: October 2024

Why this recipe works

• This tasty cauliflower chili is light and nutritious yet still gives you that comfort food feel. 
• It’s gluten free, dairy free, and packed with real ingredients. 
• Though this is a main dish, you can also use this at your next party as a dip with your favorite grain free or regular tortilla chips and a dollop of sour cream.

For at least one month out of the year I like to follow Whole30 and this has been one of my go-to recipes. Whole30 cuts out grain, sugar and dairy for 30 days, which in turn your body will feel the difference. Many people do it for different reasons, but as I have gotten older, my tolerance to certain foods have changed. I like to do this as a way to reset my body before the holidays. Some other Whole30 recipes you can try are my Whole30 Chicken Thighs with Broccoli, Whole30 Roasted Brussel Sprouts with Peppers, Boneless Chicken Thighs with Bell Peppers and my Dairy Free Zuppa Toscana.

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Ingredients  

Here is everything you need in order to make this Cauliflower recipe:

• Extra Virgin Olive Oil. Avocado oil is good substitute or you can use olive oil spray.

• Lean Ground Beef. I recommend 90/10 or you can go even leaner such 96/4. Ground turkey or ground chicken can also be used.

• Bell Peppers. Red bell pepper, green pepper along with yellow and orange really bring this dish to life. Feel free to use only kind of pepper if you like. 

• White Onion. Yellow or red onion can be used. 

• Garlic. I normally add a TON of garlic but feel free to cut it down if you like. 

• Whole Canned Peeled Tomatoes. Canned diced tomatoes will work also. 

• Water. Water helps with the consistency of the chili so it’s not too thick. You can also use chicken stock or vegetable stock. 

• Fresh Cauliflower Florets. Cauliflower rice or roasted cauliflower works too. Though if using either of those, fold them in last as you don’t want the cauliflower to overcook since they are small pieces.

• Chili Powder. I recommend Everything Spicy Seasoning from Flavor God. This isn’t a must but it’s so dang yummy. I recommend this seasoning because its low sodium, flavorful and not overwhelmingly spicy. Other spices can used in place of this such as chili powder, or a blend cayenne pepper, paprika, oregano, garlic powder, cumin, and onion powder. If using chili powder, cut back to 2 tablespoons since chili powder is way spicier than Everything Spicy Seasoning.

• Fresh Cilantro. 

How to make this Cauliflower Chili Recipe

All it takes to make this recipe is a few simple steps, let’s get started. 

Step One: Prepare the Ground Beef: Start with preheating the olive oil in a large dutch oven over medium heat. Next add the onion and the bell peppers and let them cook for a good 7 minutes or until they start to sweat. This step is important because all those flavors are released into the chili! You can season with touch of salt, pepper and some of chili powder and then add in the ground beef and garlic. Let the beef cook for about 10-15 minutes. You will want to stir it every few minutes to ensure the beef is cooking evenly. 

Step Two: Add the Cauliflower: Add and toss cauliflower florets in with beef mixture.

Step Three: Pour in the Canned Tomatoes: Now it’s time to pour in the canned whole tomatoes and water. Have a large wooden slotted spoon on hand to smash down the tomatoes. Add in the remaining spices. 

Step Four: Let The Chili Simmer: Turn down the temperature to low heat and let it simmer for about 25 minutes while stirring every now and then. Add in the black pepper and additional salt if needed. The chili done when the cauliflower is tender and the beef is cooked all the way through. When done, remove from the heat and let cool for a few minutes before serving.

Storing leftovers

Store any leftover cauliflower chili in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stove top. 

Helpful tips

Cauliflower chili is easy to make and even better if you make it the night before and serve it the next day.

Serving Suggestions 

My cauliflower chili can be made as a vegan chili or vegetarian. You can substitute the ground beef for sweet potato, extra firm tofu or add in your favorite beans such as kidney beans, chickpeas or black beans. 

While using a variety of peppers is recommended , you can use only red peppers or whatever color you prefer. 

Optional garnishes (some are not Whole30 or Paleo) are: cilantro, avocado slices, sour cream, shredded cheese, green onions, crushed tortilla chips and fresh parsley. 

Another delicious way to enjoy cauliflower is by roasting it whole and seasoning it generously, like in my Cauliflower Parmesan Recipe or in pizza like iny my Trader Joe’s Cauliflower Pizza. 

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